TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK 2022

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2021

CONTENTS 4. NSW RUGBY LEAGUE REPORT 5. BOARD OF DIRECTORS 6. OFFICIALS AND COMPETITION COMMITTEE 7. CLUBS 8. CEO’S REPORT 9. CEO’S REPORT CONT. 10. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 11. CORPORATE 12. LIFE MEMBERS 13. LIFE MEMBERS 14. DENTON ENGINEERING CUP - FIRST GRADE SCOREBOARD 15. DENTON ENGINEERING CUP - FIRST GRADE SCOREBOARD 16. DENTON ENGINEERING CUP - FIRST GRADE LADDER 17. TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - RESERVE GRADE SCOREBOARD 18. TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - RESERVE GRADE SCOREBOARD 19. TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - RESERVE GRADE LADDER 20. TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - 19’S SCOREBOARD 21. TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - 19’S SCOREBOARD 22. TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - 19’S LADDER 23. TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 24. CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1960 - 2019 25. FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP 26. FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP 27. RESERVE GRADE PREMIERSHIP 28. OPEN GRADE PREMIERSHIP 29. WYONG RLFC REPORT 30. SOUTH NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB REPORT 31. LAKES UNITED RLFC REPORT 32. MACQUARIE RLFC 33. MACQUARIE RLFC CONT. 34. CESSNOCK RLFC 35. CESSNOCK RLFC CONT. 36. KURRI KURRI RLFC 37. WESTERN SUBURBS RLFC 38. CENTRAL NEWCASTLE RLFC 39. MAITLAND PICKERS RLC 40. MAITLAND PICKERS RLC CONT. 41. THE ENTRANCE RLFC 42. NORTHERN HAWKS RLFC 43. NEWCASTLE REBELS 44. NEWCASTLE REBELS 45. NEWCASTLE & COALFIELDS RUGBY LEAGUE REFEREES ASSOCIATION REPORT 46. NEWCASTLE JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE REPORT 47. MAITLAND DISTRICT 48. NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

NEW SOUTH WALES RUGBY LEAGUE Amongst many of the lessons learned from the COVID pandemic is the strong reminder we have all received of the huge importance which sport plays in the fabric of our community.

After the competition could only operate in abbreviated form in 2020, it was with much anticipation that season 2021 kicked off. The addition of Wyong and The Entrance to the longer-term participants in the Newcastle District competition added an exciting new dimension to the competition, as did a new naming rights sponsor in Denton Engineering and Hydraulics Pty Ltd. The competition lived up to every bit of its early promise but, regrettably, we could not quite yet to the end of the competition before the pandemic intervened once again.

Maitland backed up their impressive win in the 2020 Presidents Cup with another successful season, being dominant leaders at the time the competition was suspended. Cessnock, Central, Macquarie and Western Suburbs all promised to provide stiff competition for them, but the finals series which we were all looking forward to did not get off the ground.

With vaccination rates at a relatively high level and with the community reopening from its lockdown on 1 December 2021, we keenly anticipate the return to sport which comes with it. Season 2022 will be a cracker! We no longer take anything for granted, and we fully appreciate the gifts which sport provide for us.

My personal congratulations and congratulations on behalf of the Board and management of NSWRL to everyone associated with Newcastle District Rugby League for the wonderful contribution which Newcastle District Rugby League make to our sport and to their community in our state.

David Trodden CEO New South Wales Rugby League

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TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Crooks (Chairman)

Charlie Haggett (Deputy Chairman)

Mark Singleton

Mark Hanlon

Mike Rabbitt resigned

Graham Baily resigned

Brook Hill resigned

Tyne Owen

Garry Fairhurst

Robert Baker

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE OFFICIALS Chief Executive Charlie Haggett Compliance Manager Malcolm McCracken Social media and Marketing Officer Brandon Haggett Selectors Rob Baker, Adam Hall, Adrian McNab, Tom Lidbury Andrew Taylor, Mark Morrissey, Matthew O’Brien, Garry Fairhurst, David Carr (CC) Newcastle Knights Casey Bromilow Patron TJ Winney Honorary Solicitor Bilbie Dan Solicitors and Attorneys Auditor Cutcher & Neale Newcastle & Coalfields Rugby league Referees Tom Lidbury Judiciary & Disciplinary John Fahey COMPETITION COMMITTEE Central Newcastle: Heath Anderson

Cessnock: Cherie Douglas

Kurri Kurri: Bob Wilesmith

Lakes United Grant Thompson-Lang

Macquarie Scorpions: Steve Woodbridge

Maitland Pickers: Frank Lawler

South Newcastle: Ross Hodge

Western Suburbs: Russell Petrie

Wyong: Stephen Marks

The Entrance: Peter Lawler

Northern Hawks: Andrew Chapman and Loretta Porter 6

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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2021 CLUBS

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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CEO’s REPORT The last two years has certainly presented some challenges to rugby league right around the world. COVID 19 has disrupted all sports, but rugby league with the community at heart has stood strong and the leadership from the National Rugby League to keep this great sport functioning has been nothing short of outstanding. The interest in rugby league, particularly over the last 12 months has been the strongest for several years and this has also been reflected in the Newcastle Rugby league competitions. Working with NSWRL and being a major competition brings with it significant benefits to all clubs, staff and players, this has seen the level of professionalism right across the competitions increase, making Newcastle Rugby League a very attractive option for players to aspire to and for sponsors to be part of. This year we also saw the competition expand to include The Entrance and Wyong from the Central Coast, further improving the status and recognition of local rugby league. In our agreement with NSWRL we were able to maintain naming rights for the competition and I would like to acknowledge and thank Michelle and Ian Denton who sponsored the competition for this and next year. Their commitment and enthusiasm for local rugby league is truly appreciated and has contributed greatly to the Denton Engineering Cup Competition becoming one of the highest recognised competitions across the State, if not Australia. This competition status has certainly seen strong interest in players from outside the area wanting to come here.

As mentioned, we have had some challenges to overcome dealing with COVID and I would like to thank and recognise all clubs for their commitment and assistance is getting rugby league up and running to one of the highest standards we have seen for a while. This also could not have been achieved without the support of NSWRL and whilst there were teething problems being our first year as a Major Competition the results have seen and will continue to see significant improvements in our level of professionalism and support being supplied to players and staff. Getting the games on the park week in and week out is no mean feat in a normal year, but to do it during a year impacted by Covid was nothing short of amazing. My congratulations to all involved and working together certainly proved to be a valuable key in achieving our goals. I would like to acknowledge our dedicated volunteers; without them I would hate to think how we would survive.

the Denton Engineering Cup Minor Premiership as well as the Club Championship. Also, congratulations to newcomers the Northern Hawks for taking out the Minor Premiership in the Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League Reserve Grade competition and the South Newcastle Lions on winning the Under 19 Minor Premiership. Well done to all teams involved in all our competitions, the quality of football in all grades was outstanding.

With Matt Harris our previous CEO deciding to move on in March this year meant we had to look to maintain continuity in our plans moving forward and provide some stability until the position could be filled on a permanent basis. As a result, I was placed into the role having ha knowledge from my role on the Board of the local rugby league environment and our strategic direction, as well as my extensive background inrugby league management and logistics. Whilst being thrown in what seemed like the deep end, the support of the Board and the assistance from all clubs meant we were able to continue to run the competition with minimal disruption. I would like to thank everyone for their support this year, particularly John Crooks who has provided leadership, picked up the slack at times and helped me out.

Also thank you to Matt Harris for the leaving Newcastle Rugby League in good shape and his assistance throughout the year.

Also, to our sponsors who continued to support us during this difficult period, a big thank you to all of them, without their support rugby league would not be able to maintain its status, links to the community and provide pathways for all players. I would like to mention and acknowledge Tooheys who have been Newcastle Rugby League’s major sponsor for 20 years, their support is very much appreciated and we look forward to continuing to work together.

As we move from this year into 2022 we are very much focused on pathways for our region with all District Clubs having a pathways/development manager in place for 2022. We look forward to working with NSWRL, the regions Junior Bodies and the Newcastle Hunter Rugby League to ensure rugby league in this great area continues to prosper and grow, with every opportunity to be supplied to players wanting to reach their full potential, but at the same time ensuring those who want to play just for fun continue to have that opportunity.

Unfortunately, as we approached the final game of the regular season, COVID took a turn for the worst and resulted in the final series being cancelled. This was very unfortunate as the final series was shaping up to be one to be remembered with all top five teams hitting their straps in the last couple of games. A big congratulations to Maitland Pickers who took out

In closing I would like to thank chairman John Crooks and directors Robert Baker, Graham Bailey, Brooke Hill, Mike Rabbitt, Mark Hanlon, Mark Singleton, Tyne Owen, Garry Fairhurst and Garth Brennan for their commitment and support to Newcastle

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TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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CEO’s REPORT (Continued) Rugby League during 2021. Thank you also to NSWRL for their support and to our members in particular the district clubs who put our fantastic game on each week.

Thank you to our Ground Managers and volunteers who make themselves available each week to assist clubs and the league meet our game day requirements. Also, a big thank you to all match officials who put in hours of preparation to be match ready each week and make it possible for our games to go ahead. Finally, thanks to all our supporters who get to the games or follow the games on Bartv and NBN News.

I am hoping 2022 proves to be the year we can get a full season in without any impact by Covid. All the best for everyone in 2022.

Regards

Charlie Haggett Chief Executive Officer Newcastle Rugby League

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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CHAIRMAN’s REPORT Welcome to the yearbook for 2021. Well it was certainly another year that will go down in history both on and off the field. On the field, we welcomed The Entrance Tigers into our Major Competition and the Northern Hawks into our Community Competition. This has contributed to increasing the quality and the competitiveness of all the competitions administered by the Toohey’s Newcastle Rugby League. Off the field, COVID has once again disrupted what I believe would have been a fantastic Final Series.

I would like to thank our Corporate partners for their ongoing support, Tooheys, Denton Engineering, A-Plus Contracting, Bar TV Sports, The Mutual Bank, Pivotal Business Systems, Minder Secure Cloud Services, NBN News and Commercial Collective Real Estate. To our many dedicated volunteers involved in running our game, I would like to thank them all for the sacrifices they make to help run our game.

Thank You,

John Crooks Chairman Newcastle Rugby League

Congratulations to the Maitland Pickers for their performances during 2021 to earn the Minor Premiership in the Denton Engineering Cup. Congratulations to the other clubs who made the top 5, Cessnock, Central, Macquarie and Western Suburbs.

In 2021 we had a new Representative Coach, Aron Watts, in charge of the A-Plus Contracting 1st Grade side. The hard work Aron, his staff and players put in paid off with the 1st Grade Rebels side defeating both the Illawarra and Canberra’s Representative Teams.

Our Emerging Rebels program went up an age bracket to Under 20s. Adam Hall and his Coaching staff continue to provide our younger players with an opportunity to develop their skills and passion for the game and provide a pathway to higher honours. U20s also accounted for the Illawarra and Canberra sides in their Representative games in 2021. A big thank you to Robert Baker his selectors and staff for the fantastic job they do managing the Representative programs.

Looking forward to season 2022 we will be working hard on two main initiatives, the first is to make our competition the best it can be both financially and competitively. The Second is our pathway’s initiatives. Our goal is to have as many players as we can, play at the highest level they can, for as long as they can.

With the appointment of Garth Brennan as the Knights Pathway Manager, we plan to see more players progress through our Junior and Senior competitions and onto higher honours.

I would also like to thank our dedicated and hardworking staff, CEO Charlie Haggett, Brandon and Mal for the dedication and hours they put in to make our competitions a success. Last but not the least, I would like to thank the Board for their support and expertise in our decision-making processes. We are looking forward to a successful year in 2022.

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TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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CORPORATE

THANK YOU TO OUR NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE CORPORATE PARTNERS FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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LIFE MEMBERSHIP 1910-42 W.Abraham W.Ashton W.Bailey W.Bartley W.Bell G.Blair A.Boa E.Brossman H.Brown L.Carpenter S.Carpenter A.Chambers H.Clack W.Cody A.Coleman L.Colgan C.Croft J.Cuggan J.Dawson R.Duncan H.Edwards F.Ellis T.Evans S.Field N.Firth J.Graham F.Graham G.Griffen E.Hill H.Irwin A.Kay P.Kay C.Kentish E.Lloyd G.Lloyd F.Mahoney S.Malcolm W.Maloney J.Matich J.McDonald J.McLeod W.Mead J.Mitten J.Morgan O.Mullaly E.O’Sullivan M.Ott J.Passmore G.Patterson W.Phillips J.Pomfrett J.Quinn W.Richards F.Roarty A.Russell C.Sage J.Scully J.Smith C.Walker L.Walkley P.Wall P.Walsh

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J.Whitehead H.Williams J.Williams 1943 J.Flaherty R.Hume W.Nickerson E.Patfield H.Walpole H.Wheeler A.Wilson D.Woods 1944 H.Smith 1945 D.Lewis 1946 M.Bailey J.Gibbs 1950 F.Barker J.Hattam 1954 W.Becker A.Farquaharson T.Loveday 1955 R.Baker W.Prigg 1956 N.Noble J.Thomas J.Wilson 1957 G.Swan J.Winney H.Worthington 1958 T.Dorrington 1959 P.Cahill C.Kelly D.Moreland 1960 J.Burke 1962 E.Mackie 1963 H.Marjoribanks

1964 W.Power 1965 C.Britten B.Davey B.Jackson 1966 F.Wilkinson 1967 J.Lane 1968 T.Butler K.Mogg 1969 B.Blain H.Brown 1970 N.Brown H.Harding 1971 F.Bailey G.Benson J.Euston R.Horn K.Manning O.McGrath M.Neal N.Ryan T.Taylor W.Temple W.Wheatley 1972 G.Maguire C.Russell 1973 B.Horne H.Hume G.Maloney J.McBride D.Schofield 1974 A.Buman E.Dawson R.Edwards T.Pannowitz A.Thomson 1975 J.Bell B.Godden R.Reichart

1976 R.Ainsworth K.Barry J.Brown G.Hain D.Hardy 1977 K.Bacon B.O’Brien 1978 P.Baird N.Lyddiard A.Wright 1979 G.Osland E.Sharpe T.Shepherd 1980 R.Madden 1981 O.Screen K.Smith 1982 C.Kingston J.Wallace B.Woolston 1983 G.Caddis F.Griffen C.Mitchell 1984 L.Peacock R.Wilkinson 1985 J.Beal B.Holt R.Stokes G.Wright 1986 K.Clarke E.Parry N.Spohr B.Warby 1987 T.Gustard W.Irving A.Williams K.Worthington 1988 M.Burrows M.Eades R.McLaren

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

H.Nash T.Thurtell A.Young 1989 J.Anderson P.Anthony D.Bear W.Rynehard 1990 H.Davis J.Hancock K.Hutchinson E.Stair N.Wilkinson 1991 D.Brown A.Dagwell W.Hore 1992 B.Bower W.Campbell J.Farrell R.Farrell C.Higgins 1993 P.Brady B.Gray R.Reid F.Sims 1994 C.Bradley K.Lynch K.Schott A.Thompson 1995 D.Crich D.Gall J.Hollingsworth I.MacDonald R.Nickerson 1996 T.Crow A.Hextell N.Lawler G.Perring J.Roach A.Rowland P.Williams 1997 C.Cavanagh B.Christiansen N.Hincks B.McEntyre R.Nunn

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LIFE MEMBERSHIP 1997 (Cont.)

G.Price P.Romaniuk K.Sazdanoff J.Wilson 1998 M.Fox R.Johnson 1999 B.Whiteford M.Wright 2000 G.Hardes P.Lovett K.Pilgrim D.Williams 2001 P.Davies N.Gibson A.Hall B. McKinley D.Michalski 2002 L.Batey R.Black D.Johnston O.Kilpatrick J. Scott 2003 D.Beveridge W.Munro C.Paul W.Mitchell R.Muir A.Price G.Piggford 2004 V. Murphy C. Doyle H. Rowland R. Smith S. Doran 2005 P. Riddell M. Davies J. Thomas J. Fleming S. Storrie G. Jack P. McKinley 2006 R. Griffiths D. Williams B. Nixon

A. Taylor L. Lynch M. Conway T. Hickey 2007 G. Banks A. McNab W. Donaldson M. Goldman M. Graham H. Miller B. Lawrence F. Thelfro V.Madge 2008 J. Britten W. March D. McDougall L. Gibson A. Murdoch G. Bailey 2009 D. Adams D. Doyle P. Hughes J.Latter D. Maddison D. Ridings 2010 D. Duncan R. O’Connor M. Kenny G. Briggs 2011 D. Turrell R. Hinds S. Blain D. Linnane G. Harrison D. Chapman T. Ott G. Spruce

S. Collingwood M. Campton J. Peterkin T. Trow W. McCubbin D. Watson 2015 T. Davies B. Giles T. Sheppard 2016 D. Doyle G. Matthews J. Hutchinson W. Aoake T. Bryden 2017 C. Pyne M. Sault D. Price J. Taylor 2018 M. Deacon M. Carr L. Beveridge P. Osland D. Hunt G. Stair F. Lawler 2019 G. Drummond 2020 Bruce Gill Peter Digby Wayne Wilson

2012 J. Bowles D. Edwards R. Frew P. Skovgaard 2013 K. Hector J. Farrar B. Barber 2014 B. Morgan D. Sinclair

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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DENTON ENGINEERING CUP - FIRST GRADE SCOREBOARD

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TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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DENTON ENGINEERING CUP - FIRST GRADE SCOREBOARD

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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DENTON ENGINEERING CUP FIRST GRADE LADDER DENTON ENGINEERING CUP MINOR PREMIERSHIP TABLE Pos

Team

P

W

L

D

B

F

A

PD

PTS

1

Maitland

18

13

1

4

0

526

156

370

30

2

Cessnock

18

10

4

4

0

366

285

81

24

3

Central Newcastle

18

10

6

2

0

326

308

18

22

4

Macquarie

18

9

6

3

0

410

281

129

21

5

Western Suburbs

18

8

6

4

0

262

204

58

20

6

Wyong

18

5

7

6

0

208

273

-65

16

7

The Entrance

18

4

8

6

0

217

276

-59

14

8

Lakes United

18

5

9

4

0

230

406

-176

14

9

Kurri Kurri

18

4

12

2

0

238

429

-191

10

10

South Newcastle

18

3

12

3

0

220

385

-165

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DENTON ENGINEERING LEADING POINTS SCORER First Grade Name

Club

T

G

FG

Points

Brock Lamb

Maitland Pickers

3

75

162

Kerrod Holland

Macquarie Scorpions

1

128

Adrian Dav is

Cessnock Goannas

2

62 38

Ethan Ni szczot

Kurri Kurri Bulldogs

4

29

Perry Le B rocque

Maitland Pickers

18

0

72

Lachlan Hanne ghan

Wyong Roos

4

32

70

Joe Woodbury

Macvquarie Scorpions

15

0

60

James Bradley

Maitland Pickers

14

0

56

Ro Buaserau

Macquarie Scorpions

14

0

56

Jason Keelan

South Newcastle Lions

2

24

56

Tyron Roberts -Davis

Cessnock Goannas

8

12

56

84 74

DENTON ENGINEERING LEADING TRY SCORER First Grade Name

Club

Perry La Brocque

Maitland Pickers

18

Joe Woodbury

Macquarie Scorpions

15

James Bradley

Maitland Pickers

14

Ro Buaserau

Macquarie Scorpions

14

Royce Geoffrey

Macquarie Scorpions

12

Matthew Soper -Lawler

Maitland Pickers

11

Chad O ’Donnell

Maitland Pickers

10

Cameron Anderson

Central Newcastle Butcher Boys

9

16

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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Tries

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - RESERVE GRADE SCOREBOARD

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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17

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE - RESERVE GRADE SCOREBOARD

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TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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TOOHEYS RESERVE GRADE LADDER

TOOHEYS RESERVE GRADE MINOR PREMIERSHIP LADDER Pos

Team

P

W

L

D

B

F

A

PD

PTS

1

Northern Hawks

17

12

1

2

2

382

196

186

30

2

Western Suburbs

18

11

2

3

2

326

180

146

29

3

Maitland

18

9

4

3

2

351

199

152

25

4

Central Newcastle

18

9

5

2

2

323

246

77

24

5

Lakes Untied

18

6

7

3

2

270

220

50

19

6

South Newcastle

18

6

8

2

2

308

268

40

18

7

Ma cquarie

18

5

10

1

2

276

327

-51

15

8

Cessnock

17

4

10

1

2

174

316

-142

13

9

Kurri Kurri

18

0

15

1

2

112

570

-458

5

TOP POINTS SCORERS

TOP TRY SCORERS

Travis Lowe

Northern Hawks

112

Danny Vale

Northern Hawks

13

Michael Hendry

Western Suburbs

76

Tyrone Nean

Northern Hawks

8

Jack Matherson

South Newcastle

64

Ethan Curtin Edwards

Maitland

7

Danny Vale

Northern Hawks

52

Dean Morris

Macquarie

7

Blake Richardson

South Newcastle

44

Michael Rinkin

Maitland

7

Nash Lofberg

Lakes United

38

Jack Bennett

Western Suburbs

6

Patrick Andrews

Cessnock

32

Kyle Shepherdson

Macquarie

6

Tyrone Nean

Northern Hawks

32

Aidan Storrie

Western Suburbs

6

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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19

TOOHEYS UNDER 19 SCOREBOARD

20

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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TOOHEYS UNDER 19 SCOREBOARD

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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TOOHEYS UNDER 19 LADDER TOOHEYS UNDER 19 MINOR PREMIERSHIP TABLE Pos

Team

P

W

L

D

B

F

A

PD

PTS

1

South Newcastle

18

12

2

2

2

296

106

190

30

2

Lakes United

18

11

3

2

2

284

146

138

28

3

Western Suburbs

18

9

2

5

2

256

188

68

27

4

Maitland

13

10

5

1

2

318

168

150

25

5

Northern Hawks

17

7

6

2

2

200

240

-40

20

6

Central Newcastle

18

6

7

3

2

145

276

-131

19

7

Macquarie

18

5

8

3

2

130

318

-188

17

8

Cessnock

17

1

13

1

2

150

337

-187

4

9

Kurri Kurri

18

0

15

1

2

0

0

0

5

TOP POINT SCORERS Jackson Herdman

TOP TRY SCORERS 82

Lybkin Martin

Lakes United

10

Thomas McTaggart Western Suburbs

74

Jacob Baily

Maitland

8

Jaleal Cooper

Maitland

56

Tobias Hatcher

Lakes United

8

Joshua Andrew

South Newcastle

46

Jacob Ellis

South Newcastle

6

Zac Miller

South Newcastle

42

Takarei Kuru

South Newcastle

6

William Sanders

Cessnock

42

Connor Cromarty

Western Suburbs

5

Brock Steele

Macquarie

42

Jarrod Dixon

Northern Hawks

5

Kynkin Martin

Lakes United

40

Cody Hose Ross

Northern Hawks

5

Zaybien Leota

South Newcastle

5

Declan Pettet

South Newcastle

5

Rhys Williams

Western Suburbs

5

22

Lakes Untied

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Club

First Grade

Reserve Grade

U19

Total

Maitland

90

50

25

165

Western Suburbs

60

58

27

145

Central Newcastle

66

48

19

133

Macquarie

63

30

Lakes

42

38

28

108

Cessnock

72

26

4

102

South Newcastle

27

36

30

93

Northern Hawks

0

30

20

50

Kurri Kurri

30

10

5

45

110

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1960 - 2019

1960

Maitland

1981

Kurri Kurri

2002

Western Suburbs

1961

Western Suburbs

1982

Western Suburbs

2003

Cessnock

1962

Western Suburbs

1983

Lakes United

2004

Western Suburbs

1963

South Newcastle

1984

Western Suburbs

2005

Northern Blues

1964

South Newcastle

1985

2006

Western Suburbs

1965

Maitland

1986

2007

Western Suburbs

1966

Western Suburbs

1987

Western Suburbs

2008

Western Suburbs

1967

Western Suburbs

1988

Mai tland

2009

Wyong

1968

Western Suburbs

1989

Western Suburbs

2010

Maitland

1969

Western Suburbs

1990

Western Suburbs

2011

Western Suburbs

1970

Maitland

1991

Western Suburbs

2012

Western Suburbs

1971

Maitland

1992

Western Suburbs

2013

Western Suburbs

1972

Western Suburbs

1993

Western Suburbs

2014

Western Suburbs

1973

Western Suburbs

1994

Western Suburbs

2015

Western Suburbs

1974

Western Suburbs

1995

Kurri Kurri

2016

South Newcastle

1975

Western Suburbs

1996

Western Suburbs

2017

Lakes United

1976

Western Suburbs

1997

Lakes United

2018

Central Newcastle

1977

Western Suburbs

1998

Western Suburbs

2019

Western Suburbs

1978

Cessnock

1999

Western Suburbs

2020

Covid year

1979

Cessnock / Lakes

2000

Western Suburbs

2021

Maitland

1980

Western Suburbs

2001

Western Suburbs

24

Lakes United Lakes United

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

25

FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP FIRST GRADE PREMIERSHIP HISTORY 1986 - 2019 1986 - 1997 GF: Lakes United 4 1986 d South Newcastle 0

1998 - 2009 1998

GF: Western Suburbs 51 d South Newcastle 14 GF: Western Suburbs 22 d Cessnock

1987

GF: Lakes United 24 d South Newcastle 16

1999

1988

GF: South Newcastle 29 d Lakes United 8

2000

1989

GF: South Newcastle 20 d Western Suburbs 2

2001

1990

GF: Waratah Mayfield 17 d Lakes United 14

2002

1991

GF: Toronto Workers 21 d Western Suburbs 10

2003

1992

GF: Western Suburbs 33 d Lakes United 0

2004

1993

GF: Kurri Workers 20 d Western Suburbs 18

2005

1994

GF: Kurri Workers 20 d Toronto Workers 16

2006

1995

GF: Kurri Workers 24 d Western Suburbs 4

2007

1996

GF: Lakes United 16 d Western Suburbs 6

2008

1997

GF: Western Suburbs 26 d Lakes United 16

2009

GF: Waratah Mayfield 20 d Lakes United 14 GF: Lakes United 18 d Western Suburbs 10 GF: Western Suburbs 27 d Lakes United 16 GF: Cessnock 22 d Raymond Terrace 20 GF: Western Suburbs 32 d Northern Blues 28 GF: Northern Blues 30 d Western Suburbs 12 GF: Lakes United 40 d Nelson Bay Blues 22 GF: Lakes United 32 d Wyong 12 GF: Western Suburbs 12 d Cessnock 10 GF: Wyong 36 d Cessnock 4

2010 - 2019 GF: Maitland 24 2010 d Cessnock 8 2011

GF: Maitland 19 d Western Suburbs 18

2012

GF: Western Suburbs 16 d Cessnock 14

2013

GF: Western Suburbs 21 d Kurri Kurri 8 GF: Western Suburbs 22 d Cessnock 8 GF: Lakes United 24 d Macquarie Scorpions 18

2014 2015 2016

GF: South Newcastle 21 d Macquarie Scorpions 12

2017

GF: Macquarie Scorpions 24 d Western Suburbs 6

2018

GF: South Newcastle 30 d Lakes United 18

GF: Western Suburbs 36 d Cessnock 0 GF: Cessnock 20 d South 2020 Newcastle 6

2019

2021

Final series cancelled due to Covid.

Last time they won…

26

Central Charlestown

1949

Northern Blues

2005

Cessnock

2020

South Newcastle

2018

Kurri Kurri

1995

Toronto Workers

1991

Lakes United

2015

Waratah Mayfield

2000

Maitland

2011

Western Suburbs

2019

Macquarie

2017

Wyong

1989

North Newcastle

1979

The Entrance

N/A

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

RESERVE GRADE PREMIERSHIP Reserve Grade Premiership History 1910

- 2021

1910 - 1937

1938 - 1965

1966 - 1993

1994 - 2019

1910

Northern Suburbs

1938 Eastern Suburbs

1966 Western Suburbs

1994 Maitland

1911

Northern Suburbs

1939 Waratah Mayfield

1967

Western Suburbs

1995 Lakes United

1912

Northern Suburbs

1940 Western Suburbs

1968

Western Suburbs

1996 Western Suburbs

1913

Western Suburbs

1941 South Newcastle

1969 Western Suburbs

1997 Western Suburbs

1914

Western Suburbs

1942 Waratah Mayfield

1970

Maitland

1998 South Newcastle

1915

Western Suburbs

1943 South Newcastle

1971 Western Suburbs

1999 South Newcastle

1916

No competition

1944 South Newcastle

1972 Western Suburbs

2000 Western Suburbs

1917

No competition

1945 Northern Suburbs

1973 Kurri Kurri

2001 Western Suburbs

1918

No competition

1946 Central Newcastle

1974 Macquarie United

2002 Western Suburbs

1919

No competition

1947 Kurri Kurri

1975 Cessnock

2003 Wyong

1920

South Newcastle

1948 Kurri Kurri

1976 Lakes United

2004 Wyong

1921

Broadmeadow

1949 Central Newcastle

1977 Cessnock

2005 Western Suburbs

1922

Northern Suburbs

1950 Northern Suburbs

1978 Cessnock

2006 Macquarie

1923

South Newcastle

1951 Cessnock

1979 Western Suburbs

2007 Western Suburbs

1924

Carrington

1952 Cessnock

1980 Cessnock

2008 Macquarie

1925

Carrington

1953 Western Suburbs

1981 Kurri Kurri

2009 South Newcastle

1926

Northern Suburbs

1954 Cessnock

1982

Western Suburbs

2010 Maitland

1927

South Newcastle

1955 Waratah Mayfield

1983

Lakes United

2011 Western Suburbs

1928

Eastern Suburbs

1956 Maitland

1984 Western Suburbs

2012 Western Suburbs

1929

Eastern Suburbs

1957 Cessnock

1985 Lakes United

2013 Macquarie

1930

Northern Suburbs

1958 Cessnock

1986 Western Suburbs

2014 Western Suburbs

1931

Northern Suburbs

1959 Maitland

1987 Maitland

2015 Lakes United

1932

Eastern Suburbs

1960 Western Suburbs

1988 Western Suburbs

2016 Lakes United

1933

Maitland

1961 Western Suburbs

1989 Western Suburbs

2017 Western Suburbs

1934

Cessnock

1962 Western Suburbs

1990 Lakes United

2018 Macquarie

1935

Northern Suburbs

1963 South Newcastle

1991 South Newcastle

2019 Western Suburbs

1936

Kurri Kurri

1964 Cessnock

1992 Western Suburbs

2020

COVID N/A

1937

Northern Suburbs

1965 Western Suburbs

1993 Waratah Mayfield

2021

No final series Covid

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

27

OPEN GRADE PREMIERSHIP Open Grade Premiership History 1955

- 2020

1955 - 1973

1974 - 1992

1993 - 2006

2007 - 2019

1955

South Newcastle

1974 Maitland

1993

Waratah Mayfield

2007

Wyong

1956

Maitland

1975 Northern Suburbs

1994

Lakes United

2008

Macquarie Scorpions

1957

Cessnock

1976 Western Suburbs

1995

Western Suburbs

UNDER 19s

1958

South Newcastle

1977 Maitland

1996

South Newcastle

2008

Western Suburbs

1959

Lakes United

1978 Lakes United

UNDER 20s

2009

Central Charlestown

1960

Maitland

1979 Central Charlestown

1997

Lakes United

PRESIDENTS CUP

1961

Maitland

1980 Western Suburbs

1998

Western Suburbs

2010

Western Suburbs

1962

Maitland

1981 Waratah Mayfield

1999

Western Suburbs

2011

Western Suburbs

1963

Maitland

1982 South Newcastle

UNDER 19s

2012

Western Suburbs

1964

Western Suburbs

1983 Lakes United

2000

UNDER 23s

1965

Western Suburbs

1984 Western Suburbs

THIRD GRADE

2013

Central Newcastle

1966

Western Suburbs

1985 Waratah Mayfield

2001

2014

Central Newcastle

1967

Western Suburbs

1986 Kurri Kurri

UNDER 20s

OPEN GRADE

1968

Western Suburbs

1987 Western Suburbs

2002

2015

Kurri Kurri

1969

Western Suburbs

1988 Maitland

OPEN AGE

2016

Lakes United

1970

Western Suburbs

1989 Western Suburbs

2003

Western Suburbs

2017

1971

Western Suburbs

1990 Waratah Mayfield

2004

Western Suburb

2018

South Newcastle

1972

Western Suburbs

1991 Western Suburbs

2005

Western Suburbs

2019

Maitland Pickers

1973

South Newcastle

1992 Western Suburbs

2006

South Newcastle

2020 Covid N/A

28

Western Suburbs

Raymond Terrace

Western Suburbs

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

WYONG RLFC The creation of the Denton Engineering Cup provided an opportunity for Wyong to enter a better standard of competition and from Round 1 there was no respite from the weekly grind of tough physical matches. The Roos had contested five of the last six 1st Grade Grand Finals on the Central Coast and taking its best players to Newcastle benefitted both the Club and the latter competition.

When Wyong played its best football, the Roos were competitive in the DEC, but soon found there were harsh consequences for anything less than their best. Frankly, the Club would much prefer that situation to only three or four close games every season.

Coach Williams used 26 players in the DEC; 12 of those players were 23 years of age or younger and 6 of that cohort teenagers at some stage of Season 2021. Thirteen of that playing group are Wyong juniors.

The Roos were in fifth position when Public Health Orders ended the Club’s continuing participation in the 2021 DEC. Prior thereto both players and staff were confident of a strong finish to the season and of securing a spot in the Finals. Victories over Central, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Lakes underpinned that confidence.

The disappointing end to Season 2021 has only fueled the Club’s appetite to compete at a higher level in 2022. The Roos are grateful for the opportunity and are thankful to NSWRL, Newcastle Rugby League and the competition sponsors for making the DEC possible. The Wyong crew enjoyed renewing old acquaintances, making new friends and feeling part of a rugby league heartland and look forward to next year.

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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29

SOUTH NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB In a year of disruptions throughout the world, 2021 was a season of ups and downs for Souths. For the ups our Under 19’s were minor premiers with a group of players who will go a long way in our great game. For the downs our First Grade were wooden spooners. In between all this Open Grade and Reserve Grade were on track for a good semi final series when the season was called off. Our Ladies tackles team did start to struggle towards the end of the year with the attrition of the first full season of the game.

As a club we faced many challenges, not the least of which being the impacts that Covid 19 had on playing strength, crowd numbers and the ability for us to put on our regular “event” days at home games. We did manage to run a very successful Ladies Day which raised some funds for our charity partners, particularly Sleapys Foundation. Big thanks to Rosie Kennendy and the organizing committee for their efforts.

Probably the biggest challenge we faced related to the structure of the competition. Souths is very much a club that is inclusive and encouraging for all players and spectators and to have our teams spread to all points of the cardinal over most weekends and playing under several different jurisdictions created a disjointed structure where we only had all teams at the same venue once. This lack of co-ordination had a detrimental effect financially but, more importantly, impacted significantly on our ability to build club spirit and maintain our culture.

Having said that, we must offer a huge thanks to all of our coaches, Matt Kennedy, Lynden Sheppard, Dan Carr, Daniel Fitzhenry, Steve Young, Craig Higgins and Marc Glanville and all of the team managers, trainers and other support staff for their efforts in making the club a happy and energetic place to play rugby league.

Running a rugby league club at our level requires a lot of volunteer effort and each home game an army of unpaid labour descends on Townson Oval to help make the day work. To our canteen, BBQ, Bar “staff”, gate keepers, ground managers and organisers, scorers we cant thank you enough. Then at the end of the day they are there still to clean up and make sure all is ready to go for next time. Local sport couldn’t function without your tireless and unheralded support.

Souths junior club continues to go from strength to strength with continued increasing participation. Graeme Fitzgerald and the Juniors committee do a fantastic job and the results they get on and off the paddock are testament to their efforts. The steady stream of junior players coming through the ranks to our Senior club are also vital for our future.

We are a club that is pleased to have a large number of great sponsors, many of whom have been with us for a long time. As well as the continued support from Souths Leagues Club we would like to thank the following; Principal Sponsor: Murphy Plumbing Major Sponsors: Varley Group, Rail Industry Constructions, Hunt Hospitality, Sleapys Foundation Premier Sponsors: Bon Villa Estate, Prosperity Advisers, Wisebuy Investment Group, Alltech Solutions, Royal Hotel Associate Sponsors: Straightline Plumbing, Dean Browne Carpentry & Electrical, A&J Air, Stan Davies Excavations, Dowling Raymond Terrace, Spectrum Acoustics, Lees Racing, Forward Electrical, Matthews Sports fields, Mattara Dry Cleaning, Sellers Meats, Merewether Fresh Bake, Fort Finance, Beaumont Street Butchery, Star Bella Group, Bonvilla Property, Coastal Fire Services, Advanced Aluminum Access, Terry Keelan Plumbing, Greater Bank.

Finally, and by no means least, we would like to thank all of our wonderful players who turned up week after week and played what was in front of them without whining (well not too much anyway). You make the club what it is and the committee is proud to be associated with you all. To any players retiring or leaving the club for other prospects we wish you the best of luck for the future.

Go the Lions Ross Hodge Secretary South Newcastle RLFC Inc

30

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

LAKES UNITED RLFC REPORT Thank you to the Newcastle Rugby League for their efforts in trying to conduct competitions in difficult times.

These occasions don’t happen often so make yourself aware of local events, spread the word and if you can support your club. Thank you.

As for Lakes United the season of NRL competition was testing as our club, like it has many times in our history, relied upon local juniors to fill most of the positions in the top grade. Aided by playing next to several experienced players many youngsters acquitted themselves well when given the opportunity to play First grade. All teams were competitive under difficult circumstances due mainly to the support and contribution of the entire organisation from the executive, committee, coaches, volunteers and back-room staff.

Reserve grade, under the guidance of Paul Allardice were hanging on to 5th place when play stopped.

Again a number of young Seagull`s gained experience from playing in this grade.

The support of our sponsors can never be understated.

Sincere appreciation is extended to all sponsors and especially major sponsor the McCloy Group in addition to Belmont 16`s, Jewells Tavern, Swansea RSL and The Old Boys organisation for their valuable support.

To our Lakes United Juniors congratulations on the manner in which your committee guided our ‘Lifeblood’. All five junior teams were in positions to play semi-final football before the season ended early. To witness the talent coming through our Juniors is very reassuring. Also thanks to our valuable volunteers who guide our Junior feeder club`s Belmont North, Swansea, Valentine-Eleebana and Windale. Our community look forward to 50th anniversary functions for Valentine-Eleebana and Belmont North in the near future.

First grade experienced a ‘rollercoaster’ type season with several good wins but unfortunately a number of lows as well. Coach Robbie Payne and then Matt Nicoll , with limited resources, maintained Lakes United as a competitive organisation and even though semi-final football was not achieved the young squad gained considerable experience on what is required to win at the top level.

Our loyal core of supporters witnessed some excellent rugby league and everyone in our community looks forward to renewing friendships in 2022. In conclusion I reiterate earlier comments that Lakes United has experienced a testing season. Soon we will be gearing up for our 75th anniversary.

Stay Safe Stephen ‘Chunky’ Brown LURLFC

The Under 19`s coached by John Prince and Mick Sullivan were entertaining and were among the stronger teams in this grade due to their hard work and ability to consume their coaches’ teachings.

Open grade under the leadership of Grant Huggins did extremely well considering they often played on different days and grounds to the rest of the Club.

They were not forgotten however and played good football whilst really enjoying each other`s company.

Statistically this team was probably the best performed throughout the entire Lakes United organisation.

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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31

MACQUARIE RLFC What a very difficult year 2021 was for the Macquarie Scorpions and I am sure the other clubs in the Newcastle Rugby League as we had to deal with the ongoing threat of Covid and poor weather during the year, with Covid finally forcing an end to the season with one round remaining in the competition. At the same time it was good to at least be able to participate for the Scorpions as we made a decision not to enter sides in the senior competitions in 2020 due to ongoing threat of Covid.

The year off certainly did not appear to affect the Scorpions performances on the field during 2021 with the first grade side in 4th position at the completion of the penultimate round and the chance to make the top three if the competition had not been cancelled.

The lower grades (reserve grade and Under 19s) although not in contention for semi finals late in the season demonstrated throughout the year that they could compete with any side in the competition and there is certainly plenty of positives to work with going forward.

Covid or the threat of Covid certainly impacted on the Scorpions home games during the year, with many supporters, particularly the older ones apprehensive to attend games and the wet and cold weather always seemed to come around for the Scorpions home games. Of the nine home games only the last home game against Maitland was not affected by poor weather, which affected our game day income.

Although it was a difficult year it did not deter the committee or game day volunteers who attended and put in throughout the year on game days. Arriving at the ground at 8.00am and not leaving until well after 5.00pm and then turning up the next day to clean the ground and the sheds. To all those who assisted on games a big thank you.

A special mention must also go to Teina Jordan and Kylie Jordan for the organizing and work they did on home games to sell our merchandise and ensure our game day sponsors were entertained.

The Scorpions did not field an Open grade side in 2021 and this will be the case in 2022 as there are currently five second division sides in the Scorpions geographical district where players of this standard can get a game of football and it would have been too big a stretch for our game day volunteers to not have sides playing together on the one day. However the Scorpions did field the clubs first women’s tackle side which proved a huge success for the club under captain coach Dahlia Tahu with the side in contention for a semi final spot when the season had to be abandoned due to Covid. The women in the Westlake’s area of Lake Macquarie certainly embraced the women’s tackle game and the Scorpions had 31 women registered during the year.

It is hoped going forward that all the current Newcastle Rugby League clubs can field a women’s tackle side as the quality of the football played by the women was first class and the local interest will only grow. The only downside was the issue of not being able to coordinate the draw to accommodate the women’s games with the senior men’s games.

It was also a positive move for the Newcastle Rugby league competition to have Wyong and The Entrance from the central coast enter the first grade competition in 2021. The interest generated with the introduction of those sides was certainly a major boost for our competition.

With the Scorpions only fielding a side in the Under 19s in 2020 it was always a concern that many of the senior players would not return and play for the club in 2021, but this was not the case with all players returning and under head Coach Steve Kidd’s leadership the players brought into the club and the community and it was very pleasing to be able to sign players of the quality of Kerrod Holland of NRL standard and representative players such as Luke Higgins, Ben Roose, Joe Woodbury and Matt Moon giving the Scorpions a quality squad going into 2021 after being at the bottom of the ladder in 2018 and 2019 after winning the competition in 2017, the majority of the squads have re signed again for 2022 which is very pleasing.

32

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

MACQUARIE RLFC Cont.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all players who represented the Scorpions in 2021 and congratulate them on the professional way in which they conducted themselves both on and off the field and attendance at training and club functions. No doubt taking the lead from the coaching staff who led by example.

The Scorpions coaching staff of Head Coach Steve Kidd and his assistants Matt Roach and Matt Jordan as well as Reserve grade coach Kyle Eather and Under 19s coach Scott Greenwood could not have done anymore to get their squads ready for game days and it showed on the field. They were also assisted by a group of training staff headed by James Dries who were very professional in the way in which they undertook their roles and a big thankyou to the trainers.

The Scorpions women’s coach Dahlia Tahu was also very professional and worked so hard to recruit players for the first year. It was also so pleasing to see the way the women players integrated into the club, attending club functions and assisting the volunteers on game days. It is hoped that all the women will play again in 2022 as their involvement on and off the field was fantastic.

To all our sponsors and in particular our major sponsors Toronto Workers Club and Centennial Coal a big thankyou as without your support each year it would not be possible to enter competitive sides in the Newcastle Rugby league competition.

Finally thankyou to acting Newcastle Rugby league CEO Charlie Haggett and the Board of Directors for your leadership and assistance during the year under very difficult circumstances.

Stephen Woodbridge Secretary

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

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33

CESSNOCK RLFC Season 2021 did not disappoint, what a great season all clubs were having across their teams, until covid hit again. Cessnock are the Newcastle Rugby League reigning premiers for an extra 12 months is the way our supporters looked at it, always a positive.

So many to thank, as the Cessnock community embrace our club and sport with all they have. Thanks to Todd Edwards who is an amazing coach to work with. Todd continues to support his home club, our committee, coaching group, sponsors, players and supporters are very blessed. Our volunteers are the back bone of our club and we appreciate you all. Cessnock Goannas are grateful for the volunteers who work selflessly and tirelessly. Sponsors of Goannas are the very best there is, we are continually amazed by how good our sponsors are to our club. Coaches, assistants, managers, trainers, players, Doctors, physio, remedial massage therapists and all involved our club is forever grateful. Thank you.

Season 2021 Cessnock fielded 5 teams.

Ladies Blues Tag: On their 5th campaign made the top 5 to play in finals for the first time. We are so very proud of our Goanna Girls and are thankful Ladies League Tag was introduced to our club by Newcastle RL in 2017 as it gave us a beautiful team of ladies. Thanks to all involved and a special thanks from our Executive committee to Fee Wallace a player, team manager and Goanna Legend.

Open Age: Coach Rob Harris had Merv McLennan by his side for this season, thank you for your dedication to our open age side. We had some great highlights in this side where 2 mates reunited on the field after last playing as team mates in 1999. Congratulation Mark Wilton and Shane “Webby” Saunders, lifelong mates, still playing Rugby League. Some other Goanna legends in Mick Deacon, Richard Chippendale, Pat Curry, Mitch Fallon just to name a few has a run with the young team. Always great to have a team play for the love of the sport and these players certainly love footy.

U19’s: Coach Lachlan Edwards and his staff had plenty of mates in this young side. The boys had an enjoyable season and had our club at heart the entire time. Lots of very close games saw the team on some days just unlucky. Competitive for the season our U19’s side we are truly proud of, they showed up to everything going from training to post game presentations. The 19’s helped enormously playing in their team, open age plus backing up for reserve grade. Our club appreciate the future coming through to grade and look forward to these boys returning as players, team staff or officials at the Goeys next year and years to come.

Reserve Grade: Coach Brent Morris and his staff had a competitive season with a mix of young and experienced players in their team. Many of Brent’s players supported the First-Grade side during the season, which saw that the depth of our teams was a great success for our season. Reserve grade gave a lot of our U19 player an opportunity to play up, the players took that opportunity and never let our team, club or coach down. 3 of the reserve grade squad got the opportunity to Represent U20 Newcastle Rebels, Joseph Barber, Harry Whitfield and Harrison Spruce where honoured to be selected as U20 Rep players for 2021. Congratulation to Reserve grade on individual and team achievements

34

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

CESSNOCK RLFC Cont.

First Grade: Coach Todd Edwards and his staff started 2021 with greatness, four wins from the first four games against South, West, Maitland and Lakes showed our team would be a force in 2021. Wins losses and covid draws, the season was a success for Cessnock Goannas in the Denton Engineering cup. Dedicated coaching and training staff had the First-grade squad sitting outright second leading into the finals. Congratulations to the entire squad with the following achievements in season 2021, Sam Apthorpe, Connor Kirkwood and Brendan Williams all played their 100th club game at Cessnock Goannas. Cessnock junior Josh Cagney made his Firstgrade debut. Rep players from First grade U20 Newcastle Rebel Harvey Neville, Newcastle Rebels Snr team consisted of Connor Kirkwood, Robert Tuliatu, Wyatt Shaw, Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Adrian Davis and Billy Gilbert NRL: Cessnock Goannas are very proud of our NRL players with Brayden Musgrove debuting for Newcastle Knights player #324 playing 7 games in the top grade from his stella year in 2020 at Cessnock to NRL debut in 2021. Brodie Jones continues to achieve after a break out year this year in the NRL. Brodie excelled in season 2021 with being awarded Rookie of the Year for Newcastle Knights.

Our Club: Cessnock Goannas wore their first Indigenous Jersey to honour our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Thank you to “The I am Movement” who worked with Cessnock to co ordinate the Jersey and to celebrate our dedicated day.

Cessnock express deepest sympathy to the families and friends of Goannas who passed away during these past 12 months. Forever in out hearts, Forever Goannas. RIP Cessnock thank Kelly Neville who has sold out every weekly raffle and held bonus raffles since the covid pandemic began in March 2020. Volunteers like Kelly are so appreciated by our Cessnock Goannas Cessnock thank NSWRL, Newcastle RL and our junior club Cessnock Minor Rugby League working with you all is an honour. 2021 has been a year to remember and Cessnock Goannas have enjoyed every game. Congratulation to us all on a year like no other.

LADIES LEAGUE TAG Best Back: DANIELLE NICOL Best Forward: BROOKE SUMMERS Most Improved: ALEXIA VOWLES Coach Award: KEIRA MOOJEN / LENA CARTWRIGHT Players Player: DANIELLE NICOL OPEN AGE PRESENTATION Best Back: BROCK CHARNOCK Best Forward: MICK DEACON Most Improved: RYAN EGGE Coach Award: MICK DEACON Players Player: MICK DEACON UNDER 19’S Best Back: BAILEY MITCHELL Best Forward: TRENT BAILEY Most Improved: ELLIOTT MORRIS Coach Award: NIC HOLLAND Players Player: HAYDEN REGAN

JACK BOURKE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR : JOSH CAGNEY GEORGE AMBRUM MOST IMPROVED : HARVEY NEVILLE RON SADLER MOST DEDICATED : HARRY O’BRIEN/MARK WILTON HENRY TATANA COACHES AWARD : Wyatt Shaw MARK WATSON ACHIEVEMENT AWARD : Wyatt Shaw MARK HEMSWORTH HIGHEST TRY SCORER : Isabella Garvie PLAYER OF THE YEAR - LLT: DANIELLE NICOL PLAYER OF THE YEAR – OPEN AGE: MICK DEACON PLAYER OF THE YEAR – UNDER 19: HAYDEN REGAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Reserve Grade TYSON GEERING NORM HENDERSON GOODSIR & COOPER PLAYER OF THE YEAR – First Grade ADRIAN DAVIS WINNER OF AUCTION – GROUP 7 ADRIAN DAVIS HAMISH WOLFGANG HAYDEN BAILEY PURCHASED BY CRAIG JACK

RESERVE GRADE PRESENTATION Best Back: Logan Edwards/Josh Cagney Best Forward: Tyson Geering Most Improved: ELIJAH SMITH Coach award: Hayden Regan / Joseph Barber Players Player: Hayden Regan / Joseph Barber FIRST GRADE Best back: Adrian Davis / Harvey Neville Best forward: Wyatt Shaw Players player: Wyatt Shaw FIRST GRADE DEBUTANTES Joshua Cagney Milestone Games – CONNOR KIRKWOOD, SAM APTHORPE, BRENDAN WILLIAMS ALL 100 CLUB GAMES Special Awards: AILEEN SCOTT/GRAHAM ROBERTSON CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR: KELLY NEVILLE

TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

35

KURRI KURRI RLFC With Covid -19 Pandemic preventing any chance of playing a regular season in the newly formed Silver Shield during 2020 all expectations for a better season were being looked forward too.

Kurri efforts to improve upon 2020 begin with a new Major Sponsor Dimar Engineering Pty Ltd of Weston with Local legend Mitch Cullen as Captain Coach.

Kurri had recruited well during the offseason with the signing of ex NRL stars Tyler Randel and Frank-Paul Nuuausala whilst retention of the majority of the 2020 squad was achieved.

However not all was rosy in the garden as Clearance issues and doubts on being able to hold the charity Shield caused a lot of dissention at Club and Newcastle/ NSWRL level then to add to the Bulldogs woes the first scheduled match against Maitland was to be postponed due to the inclement weather.

Meanwhile the restructuring of the NSWRL and CRL led to the formation of the NHCRL a second division competition in support of the newly formed Northern Conference with Kurri were to enter a Open Grade team. Whilst the Covid pandemic still raged many players in both U19 and woman’s tackle / Tag were reluctant to participate in the sport, leaving the Kurri Bulldogs with only three competitive sides the Kurri Bulldogs Dimar first Grade side, Solid Engineering Reserve Grade, and the Heddon Greta Hotel Open Grade.

Building, Creighton Funerals, DC conveyancing, Duar Services, Firestorm Fire Protection, Flanagans Menswear, Happy Tooth, Harvey Norman Rutherford, Hunter Jeep, I24Gym, KFC, KK Business Chamber, KK community Centre, KK Golf Club, Kk Hot Bread, Kk Old Boys Club, Lazy Lads Laundry Service, Maxiplast, Meryl Swanson MP, Minelinx, Mitchells Physio, O’Neills Auto and Tyre Services, PRD Hunter valley, Priceline Pharmacy, Rod the Barber, Ross Rodrick Tyres, Subway Kurri, Smythes Funeral Services, Sylvester Real Estate, Teasdale Tyres, Your discount Chemist, Steve Lantry Pluming.

Club Awards: First Grade Player of the Year Tyler Randell; First Grade Best Forward Tyler Randell; First Grade Best Back Barry McGrady; First Grade Coaches Award Brady Hammond; Reserve Grade Best Forward Daniel Melmouth’ Reserve Grade Best Back Brock Portskmouth; Reserve Grade Coaches Award Brodie Linnane; Open Grade Best Forward Jia Hancock; Open Grade Best Back Brodie Linnane; Open Grade Players Player Alex Sellis; Open Grade Coaches Award Charlie Houghton

Yet in true Bulldog spirit the club fort hard to be competitive on all fronts whilst incurring many suspensions and injuries thus complicating the situation of being viable at all level. Whilst many issues are still to be resolved Kurri Bulldogs will work hand in hand with Newcastle Clubs, NSWRL and Newcastle RL to give our sponsors and supporters the best competition in Rugby League.

Sponsorship: As always our sponsor have been generous in their support to which we are extremely grateful. Alex Ross Automotive, Alice Hair Design, Diamr Engineering, Solid Engineering, Heddon Greta Hotel, Beyond Bank, BVH

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TOOHEYS NEWCASTLE RUGBY LEAGUE YEARBOOK

Contributors including Photography: PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA/SMARTARTIST/NEWCASTLE WEEKLY/CARRARO

WESTERN SUBURBS RLFC Season 2021 has been an overall success with the Rosellas finishing in the semi-finals with all of our four teams, First Grade 5th, Reserve Grade 2nd, U19s 3rd and our Women’s tackle 2nd is certainly a tremendous effort. This success only comes from having dedicated coaching and support staff to ensure that players are prepared for the physical encounters that this game presents.

This season the Rosellas have undertaken a direction of fostering their junior talent into grade to establish a pathway for the future of our Club and to undertake providing a women’s tackle team as part of the Clubs ongoing football strategy. The development and talent of our younger players was evident late in 2020 under an amateur competition structure where Coach Todd Lowrie undertook to utilise and experiment with our young talent in the first grade and reserve grade teams. The experience gained has now carried through into the 2021 season assisting the Club to deliver our three Senior teams into semi final contention until the suspension of the final series due to COVID 19.

The Club understood that this direction of fostering our junior talent in grade would not happen overnight and that there may be a season whereby the teams’ performances may suffer due to this inexperience. This was evident whereby our first grade team did not win any of the very close games of the first six rounds of the competition. The believe from our Coaching staff and senior players began to show dividends by the team winning our last eight games to finish in fifth position on the points table after 17 rounds which would have been concerning for those teams that were in the remaining four positions had the semi-finals gone ahead.

The support given by our first grade Coach Todd Lowrie, assistant coach Michael Gill, Reserve grade Coach Nathan Hinton, assistant Mark Morrissey, under 19s Coach Jason Moodie, our Women’s Coach Brad Melville and assistant Nathan Koen was evident in the performances of each team. We also would not be able to perform without the assistance of our team Managers and medical staff, Physio, Trainers and volunteers to which I say thank you.

I would also like to thank our sponsors who have contributed to the financial needs of our Club, The West Group, Red Funnel Frozen Dry Goods and Seafood, Reward Distributions Chemicals Paper Goods and Kitchen Equipment, Top Cut Meats, Rarity Wholesale Fruit and Veg, Frozen Seafoods and Robert Darcy Properties. Thank you all for your support throughout 2021.

The Soul Café, thank you for your canteen support to provide our spectators with some wonderful food on our home games. Also, the Coffee Bean van, Marie, thank you for your continued support at our home games and your wonderful Coffee. Thank you to all those Referees that continue to participate and assist our great game.

Finally, thank you the Newcastle Rugby League Board for their dedication to ensuring that we have a quality and competitive competition during these pressing times.

Russell Petrie Secretary WSRLFC

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CENTRAL NEWCASTLE RLFC Central Newcastle RLFC per our respect and acknowledge our First Nation Members both past and present, Central Newcastle Butcher Boys thank our sponsors, volunteers, supporters, committee members, and Central Leagues Club for their continued support and efforts.

Also we thank our coaches, trainers, managers and support staff for their time, efforts and work to ensure the continued success of the Butcher Boys.

Another positive year for the Butcher Boys with 1st Grade and Reserve Grade both qualifying for the 2021 final series.

Our U19 team coached by Daniel Haines were unlucky to miss out on the final series, this team struggled to field 13 players due to the injury toll and the amount of U19 players playing reserve grade and 1st grade. We thank Daniel for his support and co-operation during the season.

Central Newcastle congratulate our Newcastle RL Rebels representative players for 2021 Dylan Phythian, Cameron Anderson, Ethan Campbell, Kurt Donoghoe, Lachie O’Brien,.

Our club welcomed our Butcher Birds Women’s tackle side to our club and we also fielded our Butcher Birds LLT team. Central Newcastle thank the Newcastle RL board for their ongoing work and commitment to the Newcastle Rugby League.

We thank Charlie Haggett for his efforts and work as CEO, in trying circumstances Charlie performed admirably.

Central Newcastle Butcher Boys thank the Referees and game officials for their efforts.

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MAITLAND PICKERS RLC

MAITLAND The Maitland Pickers enjoyed a successful 2021 season albeit interrupted by Covid-19 with our club securing its first club championship in 10 years. This is a significant milestone in our list of club achievements showcasing the depth of player and the results we achieved across the board.

Our First Grade team got off to a mixed start to the season by their own standards with inconsistent performances in the opening month of the competition. A round 3 defeat to Cessnock saw the teams only loss of the year before building into the season stringing together 13 straight wins. Tested with some long term injures to Matt Allwood, Tom Hughes and Pat Mata’utia the club looked to its youth to take the opportunities provided through those injuries.

We were very proud to provide four players a First Grade debut this year in Tom Cant, Noah Nailagoliva, Taj Ridley and Lachlan Matthews. Three of those players came from our U19s and all four players being local juniors.

REID”S TELARAH BUTCHERY

MAITLAND RLFC OLD BOYS AND SUPPORTERS

Congratulations must also go to Matt Soper Lawler, James Taylor, Jayden Butterfield and James Bradley on their Newcastle Rebels selections. Special mention must also be made of Taj Ridley being selected in the NSWCCC U18s team this year.

Our Reserve Grade had to manage using 46 players this year again providing opportunity to our U19s to be integrated into our team over the course of the year. This will provide the boys with valuable experience heading into next year. The team finished the year with 3 draws and had they turned those games into wins would have gone into the last round against Wests vying for second spot on the ladder.

The U19s like our reserve grade had to rely on the regular support of our U17s to prop them up through the middle of the year as injury took its toll throughout the club. Hanging tough through that mid part of the season the boys clung to a position in the top 5 and with players coming back at a rapid rate towards the end of the season were in a very strong position to give the finals a real shake.

Photography : Chris Elfes, Amanda Hafey, Smart Artist.

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MAITLAND PICKERS RLC Cont.

Our Ladies Tag team backed up their 2020 success with first class performances week in week out. The girls eventually finishing second on the ladder but were successful in defeating all top 5 sides across the course of the year. We’re looking forward to watching the girls get back on the field next season with some unfinished business to take care of.

We’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of our U17s players, parents, and coaching staff. It was great to see the kids having the opportunity to wear the black and white coming through from our highly valued Pickers affiliate clubs to form a very competitive team. Having the kids under the Pickers banner allows us to invest time into their development and prepare them for grade. It was great to see several them come up throughout the season to assist our U19s.

The Maitland Pickers would like to thank all our generous sponsors in particular our major partners Club Maitland City, A Plus Contracting, Gormo’s Mechanical, Harcourts and Burtons Automotive. Without the support of our sponsors and community our club couldn’t achieve the high standards we’ve placed on ourselves. We’d also like to thank Carraro Design Management for their contribution in the professionalism displayed with our graphic design across the course of the year.

Clubs can’t function without a dedicated committee. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the club, and we certainly have a loyal and committed bunch driving us forward. Congratulations to all our coaching staff your dedication across all areas is inspiring for our players and volunteers to continue to become better in all areas of our club.

Finally, we’d like to acknowledge the efforts of Charlie Haggett, Newcastle Rugby League board and the NSWRL for continuing to provide our region with the best standard of competitions in the area.

Frank Lawler - Club President

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THE ENTRANCE RLFC The inaugural Denton Engineering Cup was an exciting prospect for The Entrance Tigers. We were premiers on the Central Coast in 2018 & 2019 and with no football in 2020 the club was keen on making an impact at a higher level. It was always going to be a difficult year with having to adapt to very different rules as well as maintaining a 1st grade side on the Central Coast. The year started well with a couple of early wins in the opening rounds that gave the boys some confidence. A couple of losses and the worse injury toll in years saw us sitting in 5th spot after rd 11; when Covid lockdown hit the Central Coast which meant we couldn’t play whilst most Hunter based sides did continue for the next 6 rounds until the competition was cancelled.

Congratulations to Maitland on being Minor Premiers for the year. I would like to thank the Board of the club and our loyal sponsors who have stayed with us throughout this difficult 18 months without much football. Also thanks to our football committee and support staff as well as Shane Wooden our coach, who unfortunately won’t be at the helm in 2022. The coaching role will be jointly run between Jamy Forbes and Ben O’Connell and the club is looking forward to a full and successful year of football next year.

Pete Lawler President

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NORTHERN HAWKS RLFC This year the Northern Hawks Rugby League Club first came into being as a result of an amalgamation between the Nelson Bay Sharks and the Newcastle Hawks, the latter successfully representing the Newcastle Aboriginal community in the Tribal League for a number of years. Our inclusive club represents the Port Stephens / Northern Newcastle district (which hasn’t been represented since the demise of the Port Stephens Sharks) and is a safe environment that allows players to be the best they can be together.

This season the Northern Hawks entered teams in the Reserve Grade and Under 19 competitions as well a team in the community competition, in preparation for entry into the Denton Engineering Cup in 2022. Our Reserve Grade team, led by captain-coach Brad Tighe and supported by senior players Jade Porter, Warren Schillings and Dave Dryden, had a very successful year by any measure. The team finished the shortened season as minor premiers after drawing with Wests Newcastle in the final round in a thriller. Just as importantly - perhaps more so – throughout the course of the season we were able to develop a cadre of young local talent, which we will continue to provide opportunities for in the Denton Engineering Cup in 2023. Creating opportunities for junior talent will continue to be an ongoing priority for the Northern Hawks.

Our Under 19s team also started the season strongly with four wins in a row but a few losses followed due to a very high number of injuries. However, this provided opportunities for other players to step up and, as injured players returned, the team benefited greatly from competition for spots. Finishing 5th overall

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NEWCASTLE REBELS With the strength of the Newcastle competitions the representative teams were always going to be of a high standard and made up of quality players. This year we were provided the opportunity to play both seniors and Under 20’s against Illawarra in the Steel City Challenge in Wollongong and then play a home game at Maitland against Canberra.

The senior team coached by Aaron Watts and assisted

by Timothy Ryan headed off to Wollongong with limited preparation, but full of confidence. The team began the game strongly with a try by James Bradley after only 8 minutes and then another try to Cameron Anderson two minutes later, with both tries being converted by AJ Davis the Rebels took an early 12 point lead. By half time the Rebels had scored another two tries, one to Luke Higgins and the other by Dylan Pythian, both tries were converted by AJ Davis and a penalty goal by AJ Davis right on half time gave the Rebels a 26 to 4 lead. The second half proved much tougher with the Steelers putting up a much stronger defensive effort, but eventually after some clever work by man of the match Billy Gilbert to score a try breaking the second half deadlock. The try was converted

by AJ Davis, who combine not longer after with Mitch Cullen to put Tom Woodbury over the line. The final score of 36 to 4 was not a true indication of the toughness of the game, but certainly demonstrated the high level of ability of the Rebels players.

The Under 20’s coached by Adam Hall and assisted by Ian Bourke produced some outstanding football in the early part of the games to lead 26 to 4, but a determined Illawarra side and some fatigue after a long days travel for the Newcastle players saw Illawarra get within a try of the Rebels. With only minutes to go some great defence saw Illawarra held up over the line and then forced a forward pass preventing Illawarra scoring a try in the corner. The Under 20’s showed some true grit to hang on and I have no doubt they left Coach Adam Hall with his heart in his mouth towards the end of the game. A great effort for a team that left McDonald Jones Stadium at 6am on the day of the match.

The forwards dominated the big Canberra pack with both starting front rowers Jayden Butterfield and captain Mitch Cullen leading the way. The crowd were certainly entertained by some high-quality football with the dominating Rebels showing the week in week grin of the Newcastle competition certainly put our players in a much stronger position to dominate the game. Fullback Cameron Anderson (Spider) was all over the park and walked away with the player of the Match. Canberra were all praise for the Newcastle sides and appreciated the hospitality and friendship shown by everyone. They were quick to invite us to Canberra next year and are keen like us to see the representative program expand to include selection in a Regional NSW side for the participating teams.

Of course these results cannot be achieved without the assistance of a great support team. A big thank you to all those who worked with the representative teams and also the selectors for their time in going to watch the lead up games to select the team. Also thank you to the clubs for making their players available to play for Newcastle, it is a great honour, especially given the rich history associated with Newcastle representative teams. Finally thank you to all our representative sponsors, A Plus Contracting and Weilding, Gormo’s Mechanical Repairs & Services Pty Ltd and The Mutual Bank. Without their support getting the teams on the field would be much more difficult.

The next set of representative games were against Canberra at Maitland. In the Under 20 game the much bigger Canberra side turned up expecting to take control with their size, but the mobility of the Rebels soon had the bigger Canberra forwards back pedalling as our backs on a great effort of the forwards started to carve Canberra up out wide.

Canberra stayed strong and certainly let our players know they were here to play with some huge hits as the Rebels players tried to take advantage of the tiring Canberra side. Eventually, patience by the Rebels paid off and they took full control of the game. The Player of the Match award could have gone to any number of players, but the performance of the halves Max Berderus and Kurt Donoghoe saw Kurt edge the others out.

In the main game the Newcastle Rebels side looked to stamp their authority early and after 20 minutes of a hard-fought battle the Rebels took control and never looked backed.

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NEWCASTLE REBELS

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NEWCASTLE & COALFIELDS RUGBY LEAGUE REFEREES ASSOCIATION REPORT CEO REPORT KASSANDRA MCDONALD – LIFE MEMBER The end of 2021 sees the end of my second year as CEO. 2021 has been another difficult year for all involved, it was unfortunate that we were not able to see the season through to finals, but at least we got most of the season of footy. We had 118 active members for 2021, slightly up from the 114 financial members last year, but still far from the numbers we need to completely fill all games every week. Thank you to those who assisted with the multiple F1 courses we held this year and to all the CMO’s who made themselves available to help out the new members.

Congratulations go to all award recipients this season; it is very special to have your achievements recognized.

Unfortunately, the end of season presentation as we know it was unable to proceed this year due to the lockdown. A massive thank you to Wallsend Diggers and their events coordinator Catherine Burgess for the assistance and support they provided throughout the year.

A massive congratulation to Life Member John Taylor, who was this year, awarded the “Dennis Braybrook Community Official of the Year”. This award is presented by NSWRLRA to a District official that has been involved in the administration of an affiliated district association over a period of time, has promoted that district and improved refereeing in the district by being involved in coaching and mentoring of referees.

Past NCRLRA recipients of this prestigious award include Geoff Whiddon in 2009, Gerry Hinds joint winner in 2011 and Gerry Hinds again joint winner in 2014. I’m sure everyone will agree that John Taylor is a most worthy recipient and our association would not be what it is without him. Congratulations to Brendan Callander, who was the only member to be added to the list of 10 Years’ service recipients this year.

As part of our partnership with member Dan Ebert and his business “Surge Graphic Design” our order of shorts this year was to bear his business logo in return for his services; however Dan has graciously donated this space to the Mark Hughes Foundation. As gear steward, Tony Adams did a fantastic job ordering all the new shorts with the MHF logo on them and distributing a pair to each active member of the association. I would like to acknowledge and thank Dan Ebert for continuing to provide his services to the association.

On a final note, I would like to acknowledge and thank our major sponsor The Good Guys for their continued support, along with all our other sponsors and supporters including Wallsend Diggers, Bentleys, and Surge Graphic Design.

It was with pleasure that I was able to act as CEO for the NCRLRA in 2021 and I hope the efforts I went to again this year did not go unnoticed. Unfortunately though, I have made the difficult decision to not re-apply for the role for next season. I have spent way too many hours’ away from my family this year and have decided to take a back seat next year to spend more time with my kids while they are small.

I wish everyone the best, hope all our members have a good off-season, Christmas & New Year and I look forward to a new season in 2022.

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NEWCASTLE JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE REPORT As with the 2020 season the 2021 season created some significant challenges, and the season was cut short.

The last two years have been extremely difficult for everyone involved in community rugby league. Due to the health guidelines the additional workload placed on the clubs and their volunteers, to ensure the kids were able to play, was extremely taxing on them.

However, the NJRLA clubs and their volunteers did an amazing job and set a very high benchmark in comparison to other sports.

As with previous seasons the game continues to grow in the Newcastle region. In the 2021 season there were 4340 players registered to participate, comprising of 3878 male and 462 female players. It’s difficult to compare the 2021 player numbers with last season as covid 19 created a great deal of uncertainty for parents, however in comparison to the 2019 season the clubs and their volunteers have grown the game by 5% in our region which is outstanding. Unfortunately, as with the 2020 season we were not able to proceed with our 14’s and 15’s development programs. We did manage to have the selection trials and select squads however health restrictions did not allow us to continue the program. Congratulations to all the players selected and hopefully the 2022 season allows us to provide further opportunities for the aspirational player.

The annual NSWRL Volunteer of the Year Awards recognises the invaluable contribution made by almost 30,000 people who give up their time as volunteers, officials, coaches and referees to ensure NSWRL is able to run Community Football at more than 700 clubs across the state. There were 11 Regional Volunteer of the Year Award winners who were acknowledged for the support they had provided to the wider community as well as to the Rugby League community. The Newcastle Maitland Regional Volunteer award went to Sharon Jones from Windale JRLFC who helped purchase boots and pay registration fees for players in her local community.

Congratulations Sharon on you hard work and dedication to your local community.

I would take this opportunity to thank the NSWRL regional staff and the NRL development staff for their help in promoting our game and ensuring long term success in the region. A huge thanks to all the club volunteers that are involved in our game, without their hard work and giving up their time, in the trying circumstances of 2021, we have no game.

Jody Watsford NJRLA

As part of the NRL Player Development Framework we are one of the few regions in NSW to introduce the NRL Rise Rugby League Development Program. The RISE Rugby League Development Program provides aspirational Junior Rugby League players (Under 13 – Under 15 years) and coaches with an avenue to obtain specialised training and education through a holistic Rugby League development experience. The RISE Program focuses on three key areas of development, Technical & Tactical Skill Development, Physical Development and Socio Emotional Development. The NJRLA was offered an exciting opportunity to introduce the program this season for under 13 males and females. This program has been running in Queensland for three years now and is now run across every region in the entire state. NSWRL have now employed Rise Academy Manager to expand the program into other regions in NSW. Unfortunately once again covid struck community sport and the program was put on hold midway, hopefully the players will be provided the opportunity to complete the program. The reports so far from participants and parents are extremely positive. Thank you to the NRL development staff, volunteer coaches and trainers for running the program.

The program was financially supported by the Newcastle Knights with a generous donation. This financial support allowed us to provide a full training kit and the program free of charge to all participants, so a big thank you to the Newcastle Knights.

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MAITLAND DISTRICT Season 2021 was another year affected by Covid-19, but during these challenging times the Rugby League Community all pulled together to get the Junior Players onto the park and we were able to go so close to getting a full season completed. I would like to thank all of the amazing volunteers at Club Level, for without these dedicated people that give up so much of their valuable time to provide a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for our Junior Players, there would have been no season.

Season 2021 seen growth in the Associations registered numbers, and 2 of the notable highlights for me, was the re-emergence of the Woodberry Warriors, who was able to enter teams into our competitions for the first time for a few years, this was a fantastic result for the volunteers that put their hands up to help make this happen, and they were working with the assistance of Bec Fullick and Shelley Pillidge from the Association, which now sees them in a stable position to push forward into the 2022 season. The other highlight was the emergence of a U/13’s girls’ team at the Morpeth Club, which has also seen a rapid grow in their numbers, and this has been the first “all female” team for this Club. These outcomes can only be achieved by dedicated and stable Committees, and all of the Associations 10 Junior Clubs have an abundance of these people that provide the opportunities for the Districts Junior Players.

During the 2021 Season, the Association was able to run its Development Program, which caters for the U/13’s, U/14’s and U/15’s age groups, the players in these age groups were given the opportunity to attend an open trial, where the relevant squads were chosen. The Program was formatted and delivered with the help of NRL’s, Matt Sharman, and the players were put through 6 weeks, that also include some fitness and nutritional components, as well as skills development. The Association had organised several trial games and had entered the teams into the Hunter Cup at Denman, where we were the reining overall winners in 2019, when it was last held, but once again Covid intervened and put an end to our best laid plans, but we were fortunate enough to play a trail in Taree against Group 3.

At the trial games at Taree against Group 3, we arranged to be playing for the Elijah Faalua Cup, in honour of young Elijah who had previously came through the Associations Development and Representative Pathways before being selected with the Newcastle Knights Junior’s, who was tragically lost earlier in the year. In an emotional day for all involved, the team staff and players participated in some outstanding games of rugby league, that made everyone that attended from the Maitland Area, proud to say that they were from the M&DJRLA Region. In 3 very competitive games, the boys brought the trophy home with a 2 to 1 result, and we intend to defend this result in the 2022 season on home soil.

I need to acknowledge and congratulate on behalf of the Coaches, team staff, players and Association, Nunzia Galloway on her outstanding efforts as the Association Director of Development and Representative Rugby League, on ensuring that the 2021 Program was the outstanding success that it was, with the help of Matt Sharman.

I would like to thank the NSWRL staff, Dean Bosnich, Michelle Graham and Keith Onslow for their efforts, advice, input and dedication to Junior Rugby League in our Region. To my fellow Association Directors, Bec Fullick, Jaime Kowalski, John Young, Shelley Pillidge, Sam Blakemore and Nunzia Galloway, your efforts, points of view, dedication, friendship and support is not only appreciated by our 10 Junior Clubs, their Committees and Players, but also by me, it takes a team to do what we do, and we have a great team doing what we do.

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NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS Season 2021 was another year affected by Covid-19, but during these challenging times the Rugby League The Newcastle Knights saw an injury curse strike the club across all grades in 2021. Both the SG Ball and Harold Matthews teams struggled to field their strongest teams each week with many players receiving season ending injuries. The Knights Tarsha Gale team however were a shining light winning 7 games on the trot and earning the minor premiership for the first time in the club’s history.

The SG Ball team had mixed results through the season. They showed when players were able to remain on the field, they could produce some great results with the highlight being a victory of perennial favourites, Penrith Panthers. In a revamped finals format the inconsistencies of the team meant they missed out on the top 6.

It was a similar story for the Harold Matthews team and when they were able to run out with their strongest lineup, they produced some stellar results. In a difficult season draw, the Harold Matthews team lost to eventual grand finalists Manly and Parramatta. These losses impacted their for and against and ultimately, the Harold Matthews team finished equal 5th on points but points differential forced them out of the top 6 and a place in the finals.

Newcastle Knights Tarsha Gale enjoyed a strong turnaround from 2020 finishing the season as minor premiers. It was a strong development year for the team and their improvement was on display each and every week. Unfortunately, the draw proved unfavourable for the girls with a last round bye, and then a week 1 finals bye week, the team went in to their preliminary final having not played a game for 3 weeks and eventual winners St George Dragons proved too strong.

Congratulations to all volunteer staff, parents and players for an enjoyable season. The Newcastle Knights wish to thank Newcastle Rugby League, Newcastle Juniors and Maitland Juniors for their participation and support.

Junior Presentation Award Winners Harold Matthews Coaches Award: Egan Verheyen (Erina) Harold Matthews Players’ Player: Liam Williams (Wests Newcastle) Harold Matthews Player of the Year & Kurt Gidley Trophy winner: Rory Whitby (Maitland Pickers) SG Ball Coaches Award: Tevita Toloi (Macquarie Scorpions) SG Ball Players’ Player: Lachlan Williams (Wests Newcastle) SG Ball Player of the Year & Andrew Johns Medal Winner: Brock Greacen (Souths Newcastle) Tarsha Gale Coaches Award: Kyra Simon (Central Newcastle) Tarsha Gale Players’ Player: Bree Chester (Central Newcastle) Tarsha Gale Player of the Year: Sophie Clancy (Singleton) Jules Kirkpatrick (Singleton)

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